Photo source: FIFA
Doha: In 1986, the FIFA World Cup has amassed popularity around the globe resulting to 121 teams vying for a spot in the main draw of the tournament.
Eventually, only 24 teams made it to Mexico, the host nation in the 13th edition of the FIFA World Cup and the first country to host the tournament twice after Colombia.
Two spots each were given to Africa and Asia, 14 for Europe and South America had four. Three nations also made their World Cup debut this year such as Canada, Denmark and Iraq. Despite having just debuted, Denmark already left an impact when they triumphed in all of its group games.
'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century'
Only 25 at the time, Diego Maradona, served a stunning performance during the 1986 FIFA World Cup. In the quarterfinal against England, Maradona scored the first goal which was later known as the "Hand of God" goal.
But Maradona's magic did not end there. At this point, England players have made it their mission to stop the Argentine captain only to be proven unsuccessful. Four minutes after the first goal, Maradona stormed past five opposing players and the goal keeper to score another goal, leading up to a 2-1 win against England. This was then named as the famous 'Goal of the Century' in a FIFA website poll in 2002.
In a 115,000 capacity Azteca Stadium, Argentina faced West Germany in a decider match. With a 2-0 lead, Argentina looks set for another win when West Germany pulled a comeback through players Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller.
Six minutes from time, Maradona opened an opportunity to Jorge Burruchuga with a perfect pass, allowing Burruchuga to slide past German player Harald Schumacher, paving a 3-2 win for Argentina and secured their second World Cup title.
Maradona bagged five goals and an unparalleled five assists in the 1986 tournament.
1986 World Cup in Numbers / 1986 World Cup Facts:
Host: Mexico
Teams: 24
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches: 52
Goals: 132
Winner: Argentina
Runners-up: West Germany
Third Place: France
Fourth Place: Belgium
Golden Boot: Gary Lineker (England)
Silver Shoe: Careca (Brazil); Emilio Butragueno (Spain); Maradona Diego (Argentina)
Best Young Player Award: Enzo Scifo (Belgium)
Golden Ball: Maradona Diego (Argentina)
FIFA Fair Play award: Brazil
